Question

what is the equation, in standard form, of a parabola that contains the following points?
(-2,-20), (0,-4), (4,-20)

Answer 1

Hello, Rowan,
The general form of the equation of a quadratic is y=ax^2 + bx + c.
You will need to find the values of the 3 coefficients, a, b and c.
Start with this general formula.
Take each of the given points. Substitute the x- and the y-coordinate of each point into this general formula.

You will end up with 3 equations in 3 unknowns, which you can solve simultaneously for a, b and c.

First point is (-2,-20). Subst. -2 for x in the general formula.
Subst. -20 for y in the general formula.